E paper pdf english 18 june

Srinagar, June 17: In a bid to conduct professional examinations in a smooth manner and stop stu-dents from using cell phones and other electronic devices, Kashmir University has decided to install jammers in Humanities Hall where round the year professional examinations are being conducted.All the formalities in this regard have been fulfilled while the machinery has been procured as well. Kashmir University has flouted tenders for the in-stallation of this machinery.The jammers will be installed to stop students from using mobile phones, bluetooth and other related electronic de-vices.A Kashmir University official revealed that this step would help to conduct professional examinations like BUMS, MBBS, MDMS, BDS smoothly. “Usual-ly, we could not frisk fe-male students properly and they usually carry their mobiles with them during examinations. Now, we can easily detect all the electronic devices and the biggest advantage is that mobile phones, bluetooth and other electronic devices will not function be-cause of the presence of jammers,” he said.When contacted, Registrar Kashmir University, Professor Zaffar Ahmed Reshi said that during ex-aminations students often complain that their mo-bile phones are misplaced as we seize cell phones from all the students. “Now they carry mobile phones along with them and we have no problem,” he said adding we are looking at the financial

See KU on Pg. 11

Srinagar, June 17:

Day after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hinted that there was a possibility of formation of third front at the centre, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today ruled out the forma-tion of the third front saying such moves have failed in the past. He also played safe over the pre-poll Alliance in J&K stat-ing that there is enough time left for elections in J&K and that the Congress party will contest polls with full strength.Talking to reporters on the side-lines of a function at Directorate of Health Services here, he said, “No decision regarding form-ing a pre-poll alliance has been taken yet. Right now a coalition government is in power. Differ-ent members within Congress and National Conference may have different opinions about the possibility of pre-poll alli-ance but the final decision will be taken at the right time”, he said.Azad welcomed Bihar chief min-ister Nitish Kumar's decision to quit NDA.

Azad called Nitish Kumar, a secular leader who should have taken the decision to part ways with the BJP long time ago. "It is a welcome decision and should have happened 15 years ago," said Azad."I have known Nitishji for a long

time now and know that he has always been a very secular per-son. Even Sharad Yadav ji is a secular person. I don't know in what circumstances Nitish ji joined hands with the BJP but that is past," he added.Azad, however, refused to com-ment on whether the Congress will form an alliance with the JDU. "It's too early to comment

on the issue. We will see how things turn around," he added."But what we have been witness-ing is that there is going to be a complete polarisation of parties on the secular lines - soon there will be two parties a secular front led by the Congress and a

non-secular front led by the BJP, so people will have to choose,'' Azad said.Azad also ruled out the possibil-ity of a strong third front. "It will not last more than two years. People do not want uncertainty. It has happened in the past so nobody will repeat the mistake again," he added.Reacting to JDU leader Sharad

Yadav's statement that the JDU can consider coming back to the NDA without Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate. "I don't think the BJP will come back to the JDU after break up," he added.Azad called Modi more a threat to the BJP than the Congress. "Modi's inclusion led to the breakup of the BJP and strength-ening of the Congress," he said.Chief minister Omar Abdullah had on Sunday expressed the same sentiments. "We were able to tie up with the NDA as it was headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Parties like mine would never even dream of going in an alli-ance where the Modi is in the forefront," Omar said.

On the reshuffle in the Union Cabinet, Azad said he had pro-posed at the Jaipur session of the AICC that ministers should not hold posts like General Sec-retary and Pradesh Congress Committee Chiefs a year ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.“While the ministers have a job to do in continuing the good

See Azad on Pg. 11

Srinagar, June 17:

Expectations are riding high on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Jammu and Kashmir later this month, with main-stream political parties urging the Centre to initi-ate steps to address the in-ternal and external dimen-sions of the slow moving peace process."We hope that the Prime Minister's visit will focus on the peace process in the broadest sense. We hope it is not just at the localised level but a dia-logue is initiated with the separatists as well as Pak-istan," chief spokesman of Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Naeem Akhtar said.The separatist camp has, however, shown no inter-est in the Prime Minis-ter's visit. Yasin Malik-led Jammu and Kashmir Lib-eration Front (JKLF) has called for a shutdown the day Singh lands in Kash-mir.The Prime Minister, along

with UPA chairperson So-nia Gandhi, is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 25 to inaugurate the railway link connect-ing Kashmir in north of Pir Panjal Mountain range to Banihal town on the south. This section is vital for linking Kashmir with rest of the country through the ambitious rail project started 10 years ago.Akhtar said the PDP is hoping that J&K-specific confidence building mea-sures (CBMs) between India and Pakistan will be taken to next level as the recent elections in the neighbouring country have ended the period of uncertainty.Among the wish list of the PDP is extending the cross Line of Con-trol (LoC) travel for all residents of Jammu and Kashmir, and removing the bottlenecks in the cross-LoC trade."We hope that the Prime Minister also addresses the issue of unemployment in the state and alienation

among the youth as well. More than ideological as-pirations, it is a matter of survival for the youth who have framed in false cases," he said.The ruling National Con-ference (NC) said although the PM's visit was for in-augurating development projects in the state, the party was hopeful that Singh will initiate steps from Kashmir for resolu-tion of the problems of the state."Now that there is a change of guard in Paki-stan, we hope that the Prime Minister initiates from Kashmir steps for resolution of Kashmir is-sue," Tanvir Sadiq, NC leader and political sec-retary to chief minister Omar Abdullah, said.Sadiq said whatever the Prime Minister announc-es during his visit will be beneficial for the state.State secretary of CPI(M) Mohammad Yousuf Tari-gami said Singh should at least send a message to the people of Kashmir that

justice will be done on all fronts."We expect that the least the Prime Minister can do is to assure the people of the state that various recommendations of the working groups set up by him will be implemented," Tarigami said.The recommendations that Tarigami wants to be implemented include return of power projects to Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing the cross-LOC movement and good gov-ernance.The communist leader said while there was a lot of hue and cry about re-vocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the state, the Public Safety Act (PSA) was being badly misused by the state po-lice."It has created an atmo-sphere of uncertainty among a large section of people. The Prime Min-ister should assure the people that there will be no more repressive mea-sures," he added.

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

TUeSDAY June 18 | 2013 | 08 Shaban 1434 AH | PAGeS 12 | VOL NO: 3 | ISSUe NO: 146 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGe FOR JAMMU /DeLHI/LeH 50 PAISA)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

No decision yet on pre-poll alliance: Azad

Srinagar, June 17:

Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir today said the image of law-yers, who are depicted as "sharks" in cartoons, needs to be changed to that of a socially respon-sible citizen."Lawyers are shown as sharks in cartoons…that has to change. The law-yers have to show that we are socially respon-sible citizens," the Chief Justice said in his ad-dress to faculty and stu-dents of Law department at Kashmir University here."You should participate in legal aid work. There is a social commitment (for lawyers). Law is not something you do for only yourself but for the society as well," he said.Justice Kabir said there were plenty of avenues

for law graduates in the changing world but they should also do their bit for the society.The Chief Justice said among the avenues avail-able to the law gradu-ates are higher studies and the whole corporate

world.The advent of Internet has led to the specialisa-tion of even law courses as the worldwideweb has helped in exchange of ideas, he said."The Information Tech-nology Act was started with the intention of

highlighting the authen-ticity of documents. The digital signatures were also included in it. The law had to be altered so as to use the technologi-cal advances which has brought professionalism in law," he said.The Chief Justice said he will take up on prior-ity the empanelment of Kashmir University's Law department stu-dents as research as-sistants and law clerks to the Supreme Court judges."But you will also have to be cooperative. You have to come to Delhi and stay there for at least one year," he said respond-ing to the suggestion of allowing the Kashmir University students the opportunity to work with Supreme Court judges. Justice Kabir said a

See CJI on Pg. 11

Udhampur, June 17:

No compromise was made to end the standoff with China in the Ladakh sec-tor, Army's General Offi-cer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, KT Parnaik said on Monday."Ultimately, the whole issue was resolved with Chinese reverting to the pre-April 15 situation. In doing so, no compromise was made. We didn't give in to any of their unusual demands. No structures were destroyed," Parnaik told reporters in Udhampur.He said the Army had delib-erately chosen not to make any public comments on the stand off when it was going on as the government had taken up the responsi-bility to do so."While the standoff with China was going on, Army had deliberately chosen not to make any public com-ments. Reason is that the

task of informing people was taken by the govern-ment and foreign office was dealing with it directly," he said.Parnaik said China had violated the protocol when its troops put up tents in Daulat Old Begi sector in Ladakh region on April 15.

"On April 15, China came in and put up tents in the area. They decided to stay put. It was violation of the proto-col. The matter went up to the foreign office. We had series of meetings. Foreign office was in touch with Bei-

jing to de-escalate the situa-tion," Parnaik said.He said the situation was de-escalated without any compromises."I repeat that no compro-mise was made and Chinese reverted to the pre-April 15 situation. That is how the situation was de-escalated," he said.The Army officer said he was not in favour of partial revocation of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AF-SPA)."There is no need to dis-empower Army by partial revocation of AFSPA," he said, adding that Army had not misused AFSPA.On Amarnath yatra, he said, "We have got inputs on threat to the yatra."On the issue of the standoff with China, Parnaik said, "There was no compromise. We lost nothing. We dis-mantled none of our defenc-es. We broke none of

See Army on Pg. 11

Image of lawyers needs to be changed: CJI

No compromise was made to end standoff with China: Army

Ganderbal, June 17:

Mela Khirbhawani, one of the significant festivals of Kashmiri Pandits, was cel-ebrated with religious fer-vor at Tulmula Ganderbal on Monday. Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits, includ-ing women and children, participated in the annual mela, in colourful dresses.Majority of them had ar-rived at the temple yes-terday and joined the nightlong prayers, while others arrived this morn-ing. The authorities had made adequate transport and other arrangements for the devotees.Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi

See Mela on Pg. 11

Mela Khirbhawani

celebrated with religious

fervor

New Delhi, June 17:

In perhaps the last reshuffle and expansion of the Union Council of Ministers, Mal-likarjun Kharge was on Monday made the Railways Minister as eight more were inducted with veter-ans Sis Ram Ola and Oscar Fernandes making a come-back.After Sunday's reshuffle in the party, senior woman leader from election-bound Rajasthan Girija Vyas and K S Rao from Andhra Pradesh were brought in as Cabinet Ministers in Mon-day's exercise which was an all-Congress affair.Three new faces -- Santosh Chowdhury, J D Seelam and E N S Nachiappan were made Ministers of State along with veteran Maha-rashtra leader Manikrao Gavit.With the fresh inductions, the strength of the Union Council of Ministers has gone up to 77.The oath of office and se-crecy to the new ministers was administered by Presi-dent Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and union minis-

ters among others.S e v e n t y - o n e - y e a r - o l d Kharge, who missed out in the Chief Ministerial race in Karnataka last month, has been compensated with the heavyweight Railway portfolio after being shifted from Labour and Employ-ment.Labour has now been given to Ola, the 86-year-old Jat leader from Rajasthan who gets back the same portfolio he had held in the UPA-I.Fernandes, who had also been Labour Minister and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister in UPA-I, got Road and Highways Ministry, succeeding C P Joshi who resigned over the weekend.Girija Vyas got Housing, Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, a port-folio held by Ajay Maken who also had quit on Satur-day to work for the party.K S Rao (69), a five-time MP from coastal Andhra Pradesh who nearly quit Lok Sabha after being ig-nored in the Cabinet expan-sion last year, was given the Textiles portfolio. Among new Ministers of State, Seelam, a former IAS officer, is a dalit face from Andhra Pradesh. He got Fi-nance.Gavit, 78-year-old tribal

See Cabinet on Pg. 11

UPA inducts old faces in its Cabinet

Mainstream parties draw wish list ahead of PM's visit

KU to bar use of cell phones during exams

‘Nitish should have quit NDA 15 years back’http://www.zabarwantimes.com

Srinagar, June 17:

A group of irate Kashmiri Pundits expressed their displeasure by shouting anti-government slogans when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reached Khirbhawani temple on Monday, forcing the IGP Kashmir Abdul Gani Mir to intervene.The protestors pooh-poohed Omar for not pro-viding them with electric-ity and water supply at Jagti and Muthi camps. “We have been left with no option. In Jammu we face heat wave without water and power and in Kashmir we have no homes,” said a protestor.The chief minister reached Kherbhawani where a group of Pundits had gathered for yearly Kherbhawani Mela. IGP Kashmir, A G Mir tried his best to persuade the protesting Pandits. “The state government has made no arrangements in

See Slogans on Pg. 11

Anti- govt slogans at

Khirbhawani

Azad castigates State for ‘poor’ implemen-tation of schemesSrinagar, June 17: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare today castigated state government for failing to imple-ment several centrally spon-sored schemes in Jammu and Kashmir. According to news agency KNS Azad said, “Despite the availability of many health schemes from the central gov-ernment these are not properly implemented. He emphasized that state government should implement all the centre sponsored schemes as soon as possible”Azad said while speaking on the occasion of inauguration of Mobile Medical Services here today. Meanwhile union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today announced that 200 Ambulances will be al-lotted within one month. “The Ambulances which centre is giving to the state is expecting to prove very helpful to the people of state especially the people living in for flung areas”. He said, “Centre government is serious about the health sector and number of schemes will be introduced in near future so that the health sector will be improved,” he said.

Parliamentary Standing Committee meets CSSrinagar, June 17: The Parlia-mentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empow-erment headed by Hemanand Biswas Monday reviewed the status of implementation of various schemes for welfare, social justice and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginal-ized sections in Jammu and Kashmir at a high level meeting with Chief Secretary Moham-mad Iqbal Khanday here.An overview of various welfare programs being implemented in the state was presented by the concerned departmental heads. The Committee enquired about various schemes aimed at rehabilitation and social, educational and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities, women, SCs, OBCs, elderly, widows etc.

Soz meets GovernorSrinagar, June 17: Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz, President, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee and Member of Par-liament, met Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here this afternoon. During their meeting, the Governor and Prof. Soz discussed several important matters relating to the gover-nance, growth and development of the State.

Azad visits KhirbhawaniSrinagar, June 17: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Ghulam Nabai Azad today visited Ganderbal and attended the Mela Khirb-hawani. Minister of State for Cooperatives, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma also accompanied Mr. Azad.Mr. Azad interacted with the devotees and inquired about the facilities made available for them in and around the shrine. He asked devotees to pray for peace, prosperity and develop-ment of the State. Interacting with people, Mr. Azad said that our leaders have given sacri-fices for upholding the tradi-tion of communal harmony. He appealed them to promote mutual brotherhood and work for making firm the fabric of the composite culture woven by Sufis and Saints, centuries ago, in the State.

PDD employee electrocuted Srinagar, June 17: A PDD employee was electrocuted in Baramulla district last evening. A PDD employee Ghulam Mo-hammad Magray son of Abdul Reshi resident of Wanigam,

See employee on Pg. 11

Rajouri June 17,2013:

Describing peace imperative for devel-opment, Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf has said that bet-ter Indo-Pak relations are in favour of the both the countries and the people of the

State, particularly living in border areas. The Minister was addressing peo-

ple after inaugurating one day awareness camp organized by J&K Advisory Board for Development of Kissans at Pukharni Lam on LOC in district Rajouri Monday.

Mian Altaf said that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is keen to see the friendly ties of both the countries more strong which has direct bearing on the sit-uation of the State. He said good Indo-Pak relations will pledge peace in the State be-sides giving border people a chance to live

a peaceful life. He said the people living in border areas were most affected in hostil-ity between the two countries.

Describing agriculture as backbone of the economy of the State, the Minister said that Government has introduced several

incentives aimed to increasing production and improve the economy of the farmers of the State. He said that Government has launched several schemes in agriculture sector and asked the farmers to come forward and take timely benefits. He said hybrid seeds of different varieties are be-

ing provided to the farmers by the Agriculture Department besides financial incentives for purchas-ing of agriculture inputs including machinery.

Asking for adopting latest and innovative technologies intro-duced in the Agriculture Sector, the Minister said that sufficient subsidy is being provided by the Government for purchasing these equipments.

Later, the Minister reviewed the pace of developmental proj-ects coming up in R&B, PHE, Power, Education and Health sectors at an officers meeting. He directed district administration to address the road, water and electricity problems of the people

on priority. Vice Chairman, J&K Advisory Board for Development of Kissans, Radhay Sham Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, functionaries of the Board be-sides senior officers of district administra-tion were present on the occasion.

This should be a pretty good day, Aries. You will find a greater than usual sensitivity to your needs. One thing to be aware of is fast talkers who might make elaborate promises that they have no intention of keeping. Slow and steady wins the race, and you’re the master of this technique. Your patience and sensitivity are invaluable on a day like this.

The place you arrive at today may not be quite what you expected, Gemini. Once you get there, you will find that there is sudden opposition in your camp. Things may not always be exactly what they seem, so check your facts before you make any major decisions. It’s bet-ter to get the information right from the source rather than depend on what you hear through the grapevine.

Your actions might be a bit strained today, Cancer. People aren’t going to cooperate in the way you might like them to. It could be one of those days in which it’s difficult to get things done simply because other people seem to get in the way. Try not to get angry. Perhaps you need to take a break and relax. The harder you push, the more resistance you will encounter.

If you’re prepared and well organized, Leo, today should go smoothly and pleasantly. Feel free to indulge in fanciful daydreams and things of a whimsical nature. You’ve earned the right to break from the normal rou-tine. If you’ve been slacking off your tasks, however, you will now need to spend some time catching up and planning ahead.

Don’t feel badly about things you have no control over, Virgo. Tonight it would be good for you to go out and have a nice time. Put aside your responsibilities and concentrate on fun. It might be difficult to jump-start others to action, but don’t let that concern you. If people don’t want to budge, don’t force them. They will move when they’re ready.

You may find it hard to sit still today, Libra. People may pull your chain right and left in order to get a rise out of you. Whatever seems grounded and solid may end up being flimsy and detached. Beware of where you step. The ground is apt to give way with little warning. Your appetite may be ravenous, but it’s likely there won’t be nearly enough nourishment to satisfy you.

Be careful who you trust today, Scorpio. Instead of venturing out, you might prefer to stick close to home and enjoy the comforts you’ve worked so hard to attain. Don’t entrust just anyone with your secrets. Informa-tion is likely to be misinterpreted and what you say might not be taken as seriously as you’d like it to be.

What looks like solid ground may be quicksand, Sagittarius. Be careful where you step. There’s an ele-ment of misunderstanding to the day that might make it difficult to get through to people. The good news is that your emotions are quite solid. Your inner stability should help you keep a healthy frame of mind, regard-less of the events that transpire.

You may have your head in the clouds today, Cap-ricorn. At the same time, there’s a need for you to keep your feet on the ground. This contradiction of energies might make it difficult to find peace, but you should find comfort knowing that this will soon end. Deal with con-flicting issues the best you can. They will help you find the balance and perspective you need.

Your emotions may be playing tricks on you, Aquar-ius. You may find it hard to deal with reality. Take the day to relax and unwind. Don’t worry about the details. Concentrate more on your general state of mind. Things will go smoothly when you focus on radiating positive energy to others. Don’t worry so much about the conse-quences. Focus more on the process.

You might find it hard to make progress with your projects today, Pisces, especially if you need others’ help. There’s a stubborn quality to the day that’s caus-ing things to get jammed up. When neither party budg-es, the result is chaos. You might have to give a little in order to get a little. Be the first one to release your grip and things will run more smoothly.

Taurus, you may have recently built fanciful scenar-ios in your head regarding how you think things should be, in either a romantic, business, or family situation. It’s likely these images will conflict with reality as you discover that you need to take a much more analytical approach to what you have going.

Better Indo-Pak relations in favour of people: Altaf

Azad dedicates Mobile Medical Units to people

Govt. mulling dev of 3 pilgrim tourist circuits in JK

DC Anantnag visits Nun-wan base camp, reviews yatra arrangements

Latest technology imperative for boost-ing livestock: Gurezi

SRINAGAR, JUNE 17:

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad today dedicated three High –tech Medical Mobile Units (Critical Ambu-lance) to people. These am-bulances are fitted with latest equipments and machinery like, X-Ray machine, ECG ma-chine, Suction machine, De-freezer, Refrigerator, besides some other facilities. One doc-tor and one paramedic would also be attached with each ambulance.These ambulances would be used in far flung ar-eas of the State from where it is at times difficult to ferry patients to tertiary care hos-pitals. These ambulances are part of 2035 National Mobile Medical Units which are to be inducted in 431 districts of the country. J&K would be getting 11 such ambulances.

Addressing the gath-ering on the occasion, Azad said the Central Government

has included J&K as a special category State under NRHM under which the funding pat-tern has been eased to 90: 10 from the previous 75:25. He said new components are be-

ing added to Janani Suraksha Yojna to give more facilities to pregnant women and new born babies. He said now pre and post natal care and treat-ment to women at Govern-ment run hospitals would be provided free of cost. Also, he said, the new born babies would be treated upto their first birthday free of cost. He

said these new features to the scheme would be started from J&K itself.

Outlining the broad features of NRHM, the Union Minister said BPL patients can

be funded 100 treatment costs of life consuming diseases on the production of relevant papers. He regretted that not many cases from J&K are re-ceived and asked the Chief Medical Officers to deploy staff to prepare documents of such patients so that these cases are submitted to Centre for funding.

KULGAM, JUNE 18:

The Government would develop three pilgrim tourism circuits one each at Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh regions to promote pilgrim tourism in the State.

This was state by the Tour-ism Minister, Ghulam Ahmad Mir while visiting Kheer Bha-wani, Manzgam and Mata Tripur Sundari Shrine at Kha-na Baran, Devsar today on the eve of Mela Kheer Bhawani.

Interacting with the devo-tees, the Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir was also rich in pilgrim tourism and to develop pilgrim sites with infrastructure facilities, the Government has mooted a comprehensive project report of Rs. 150 crore to the Centre for funding development of Sufi circuit in Kashmir, pilgrim circuit in Jammu and Buddhist circuit in Ladakh. He said the

project is under active consid-eration of the Central Govern-ment which in principle has agreed to provide funds for creation of these circuits in the State.

The Tourism Minister said that around eight shrines of South Kashmir would be developed under Sufi circuit Kashmir with a view to pro-mote pilgrim Tourism and provide tourist related infra-structure.

The Minister said that a detailed project would be also formulated for landscaping of these shrines. He underscored the need for providing park-ing facilities at these shrines and directed the District Ad-ministration to identify State land so that necessary work would be taken up.

The Tourism Minister said that the area had a rich tour-ism potential and Govern-ment encourages partnership

of private players. He called upon the youth of the area to opt tourism as their occupa-tion, for the purposes Govern-ment would provide them soft loans with subsidies for setting up of various ventures under the sector.

Mir said the Kheer Bha-wani Mela serves as a remind-er of communal harmony be-tween Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits as the former make almost all the arrangements for the latter’s stay at the place of their worship.

Mir said the remarkable increase registered in the number of Kashmiri Pandits visiting Kheer Bhawani during last few years is an encourag-ing phenomenon. “Govern-ment would continue to work to improve the facilities for the increased number of devotees visiting Kheer Bhawani at dif-ferent shrines of the Valley,” he said.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 17

The Jammu and Kashmir State Judicial Academy organized a Seminar on “Rights of Women and Children – A Constitutional Perspective”, at the Academy Complex here last evening.

Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady, who was the Chief Guest, chaired the Seminar.

Justice Altamas Kabir, Chief Jus-tice of India; Justice Tirath Singh Thakur, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice M. M. Kumar, Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court; and Judges of the High Court, graced the occasion by their presence at the Seminar.

The Registrar General of the High Court, Director, Judicial Academy, Judicial Officers, lawyers and law students were present on this occasion.

In her presidential address, Mrs. Vohra emphasized the crucial importance of effectively enforcing the constitutional and other legal provisions to ensure pro-tection and the promotion of rights of women and children. In this context, she referred to the various provisions in the constitution, the related statutes and the large number of ratified conventions in re-

gard to the rights of women and children, adding that continuing campaigns for en-larging awareness and bringing about atti-tudinal changes in the society are impera-tive to securing the desired results.

Mrs. Vohra observed that edu-cation is the key to development and empowerment and, as such, it is of vital importance to devote sustained attention towards promotion of education, particu-larly of the girl child, along side effectively addressing issues relating to drop-outs so as to ensure that every child receives edu-cation.

Referring to the human develop-ment indicators, she observed that despite the country having made tremendous progress on various fronts, health care ser-vices having been expanded, life span hav-ing increased and the country attaining self-sufficiency in foodgrain production, there is still urgent need for taking all nec-essary measures to ensure that the ben-efits of development flow to one and all to secure the objective of inclusive growth of society. In this context, she emphasized that the reproductive health of women and the nutritional requirements of chil-dren need focussed attention.

Referring to child rights, the First Lady stressed the need for bringing about required improvements in the juvenile justice system in the country and for run-ning Juvenile Homes efficiently.

Mrs. Vohra congratulated the Judicial Academy for organizing first Semi-nar on a highly important topic as part of the inaugural function of its new building complex.

Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir, Judge of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, presented a memento to the First Lady on this occasion.

In his Keynote Address, Justice Mir, spoke extensively about the constitutional provisions and various other laws enacted for providing safeguards to women and children. He stressed the need for enlarg-ing awareness about the rights of women and children and thanked the First Lady for chairing the Seminar.

This was followed by a lively question-answer session during which the speakers at the Seminar replied to the queries of the participants on varied issues relating to the rights of women and children in the constitutional per-spective.

ANANTNAG, JUNE 17: District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone Monday visited Base Camp Nunwan for the arrangements for the smooth conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2013. Among others, officers from civil, Police and security agencies attended the meeting.

Threadbare discussions were held pertaining to estab-lishment of medical camps, sanitation, availability of essentials, traffic management plan, drinking water facilities, telecommu-nication and repairs of roads enroute to Holy Cave.

Regarding the Telecommunication facilities, special Public Call Offices shall be established at Mir Bazar, Nunwan, Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheeshnag and Panjtarani halting stations besides mobile connectivity shall be made available throughout the route leading to Holy Cave.

The District Development Commissioner directed the concerned officers to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness in the towns at camping sites besides enroute to Holy Cave.

He directed installing sign boards regarding Yatra 2013 at different locations for facilitating the yatris and also asked the concerned officers to upload information regarding different utilities on the website of the district administration.

Dr. Lone also asked the officers of JKTDC to ensure adequate accommodation for the employees deployed for Yatra 2013 well before the commencement of the Yatra.

District Development Commissioner stressed upon the officers to put in arrangements in advance and ensure coordina-tion among the officers for smooth conduct of the Yatra.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag also visit-ed Mattan and inspected the arrangements made at the temple complex for the devotees. He directed the officers to ensure that devotees do not face any sort of inconvenience.

He interacted with the devotees and inquired about the facilities made available for them in and around the shrine.

He directed the Chief Medical Officer, Anantnag to keep available medical and para-medical staff alongwith adequate of medicines for the devotees at the Shrine.

GUREZ, JUNE 17:

Minister of State for Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi has em-phasized on necessity of in-troducing the latest technol-ogy in all productive sectors like agriculture, horticulture, sericulture and livestock with the view to increase the socio- economic condi-tions of the farming com-munity. He said this is the only key source to ensure economic growth of the State in general and farm-ing community in particu-lar.

Inaugurating a Kissan Mela cum Awareness Camp held at Dawar Gurez today, the Minister said technical expertise is being provided to the farmers through vari-ous modes and said that organizing of Kissan Mela in rural areas is one of the available mode to educate

the farmers.The Camp was organized

by the J&K Department of Sericulture Development.

Interacting with the farmers and officers of the organizing Departments, the Minister said that conduct-ing such Melas will generally help in transferring technol-ogy at the gross root level to farmers. He announced that two such camps would be conducted at Tulail and Bandipora soon. He said Horticulture Department is also holding a Mega Aware-ness Camp at Gurez soon.

The Minister appealed the people to come forward and take benefit of the schemes launched by the Government under Sericul-ture sector. He said need is to revive the sericulture in the State adding that it provides subsidiary employ-ment to the rural people es-pecially women folk.

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS SrInAgAr |tueSdAy 18 .6 .2013

SRINAGAR JUNE 17, 2013

Minister for Rural Devel-opment and Panchayat Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar today conducted an extensive tour of Budgam district to oversee the implementation of vari-ous flagship schemes besides conducting Awami Darbar at different places across the district.

The Minister while in-teracting with the scores of deputations across the district directed the officers to ensure that the pace of various devel-opmental works undertaken by the Government is sped up so that the people get benefits from these. He also appealed the people to actively involve themselves in implementa-tion of these welfare schemes so that an effective feedback is got about the same and the need based and holistic de-

velopment of these areas is ensured.

Sagar also directed the officers to construct 4000 individual house hold sani-

tary units in the district and maintained that under Nir-mal Bharat Abhiyan a budget of Rs.56 crore has been ap-proved for undertaking the

construction of these in the State so that the environmen-tal pollution can be checked and the villages of the State get healthy hygienic condi-

tions. He also announced playground at Narbal besides taking up the work on shop-ping line and sanitary facili-ties at Kanihama Panchayat.

Sagar conducts Awami Rabta tour of Budgam

J&K State Judicial Academy organizes Seminar

E ++HHEAAL L HH5 ZABARWAN TIMES

TUESDAY | 18 JUNE 20138 ZABARWANTIMES

Fix thunder thighs, wobbly belly for goodFed up of being told that it's impos-sible to get rid of thunder thighs or a wobbly belly?Naturopath Max Tomlinson takes exactly the opposite view in his new book, "Target Your Fat Spots". "I see young women try rigorous diets and exercise regimes to get rid of a big bottom, only to lose weight from their chests and faces," says Max."Women going through menopause, meanwhile, tend to accumulate fat on their stomachs and upper arms. However, I've discovered the real key to achieving targeted fat loss is to focus on why you've gained weight on a specific area in the first place," he says.Why we tend to have fat hot spots?Max says, "Hormone imbalances are the main source of the problem. Our hormones regulate a multitude of processes in the body, including how and where we store fat. So if they be-come even slightly imbalanced, you can end up putting on weight. And the primary cause of imbalances is a combination of poor diet, stress, pol-lution and lack of exercise.

How to fix them?I've found that each fat spot — be it tummy flab, a big bottom or bingo wings — is caused by the action or inaction of a specific hormone. But the good news is, it's possible to re-balance and combat the problem. First of all, follow a low-fat Mediter-ranean diet — include lots of fruit, vegetables, pulses, eggs, fish, nuts, olive oil, a little lean meat and low fat dairy in your daily diet. Cut down on alcohol and avoid junk food. A daily multivitamin and fish oil capsule will also ensure you don't miss any vital

nutrients.Then, follow the specific advice be-low to beat the hormonal imbal-ance.Pot belly

Why it happens?Stored fat around the belly suggests a problem with the adrenal glands, which produce the stress hormone cortisol. This is usually down to long-term pressure and the resulting high levels of cortisol, which trigger the over production of insulin and encourage the body to deposit fat in the area around the stomach.Tackle itThe key is to relax — anything that makes you unwind will help reduce your stress levels.

DietThe main culprit is too much sugar — especially in alcohol and white carbs (bread, pasta). To balance your glucose levels, eat foods with a low glycaemic index — vegetables, beans, fish and meat. Cut out white carbs, sugar, alcohol and coffee.

ExerciseWorking out eases stress, but try to supplement your regime with some-thing calming like yoga, too.Bra fat bulge

Why it happens?Those fat pockets at the back that can make your bra feel tight are of-ten linked to a sluggish thyroid. This gland produces the hormone thyrox-ine, which controls the rate you burn calories at. If it's underactive, it can cause back fat, weight gain, lack of energy and a low mood.

Tackle itMaintaining stress levels and eating the right food will rebalance thy-

roid.Diet

Some raw foods interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland, so limit your consumption of broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, peaches, soya bean products, spinach and strawberries. Cooking these foods tends to deac-tivate troublesome compounds, so you can still eat them hot. Iodine is a vital com-ponent of thyroxine, so try to eat plenty of seaweed, seafood, yo-ghurt and dark green leafy vegetables.

ExerciseModerate exercise re-duces stress and boosts your metabolism to shift fat. The key is to get moving while not overexerting yourself. Try something fun, such as dancing or us-ing a children's tram-poline.Love handles

Why it happensThe condition is known as insu-lin resistance, in which the body's cells fail to respond correctly to the chemical, causing excess glucose in the bloodstream. This results in fat deposits around the hips, causing those bulges over the back and sides of your jeans.

Tackle itThe right foods will calm insulin pro-duction and restore glucose levels.

DietSwitching white carbs for wholegrains will maintain blood sugar levels. Eat

lots of home-cooked food, include fruits, vegetables and fish in your diet. Avoid alcohol and sugary foods (watch out also for sugar hidden in-side "healthy" cereals). Eating foods packed with antioxidants prevents free radical damage and combats in-sulin resistance. These include fresh

herbs, spices, citrus fruit, nuts, ber-ries, broccoli and green tea.ExerciseCardio — any activity that raises your heart rate — is vital in shift-ing love handles, so run or walk for five-10 minutes each day. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, exert your body more, for example, by tak-ing the stairs rather than the lift.Bingo wings

Why it happens?The culprit behind the fat that hangs from your upper arms, is falling tes-tosterone levels that are associated with middle age. Women produce

this male hormone, too, and it's vital for keeping muscles lean and toned.

Tackle itBoosting testosterone levels can, along with targeted exercise, help to restore shape to your arms.

DietToo much sugar or white carbs in

your diet can de-crease testosterone levels — so cut them out, but don't crash diet as long-term calorie restriction can further lower levels of this im-portant hormone. You should also eat plenty of the "good" fats found inside salmon, avocado and seeds, while avoiding saturated fat found in red meat and full-fat dairy.ExerciseLack of exercise sup-

presses testosterone levels, but light weight-bearing workouts — ones that use the body's own weight to put pressure on the muscles — will work to boost them. This includes jogging or just having a brisk walk. And have more sex, too — making love sends out signals to the body to produce even more testosterone. Using arm weights will also help sculpt these muscles.Chunky thighs and a big bum

Why it happens?If you store fat in these areas you probably have an excess of oestro-gen, which naturally promotes fat

around the tops of the legs and but-tocks. Taking the pill and exposure to oestrogen-mimicking chemicals found in some plastics, may add to this problem.

Tackle itThe aim is to naturally lower oestro-gen levels in the body through life-style changes.

DietEat more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, because the fibre they contain binds to, and helps excrete, excess oestrogen. Cut down on alco-hol, painkillers and processed meats, as they're laden with chemicals and preservatives that hamper your liv-er's best efforts to clear oestrogen. Eating live yoghurt can also assist your gut in removing oestrogen via the digestive system.ExerciseIdeally, you should walk or run for 10 min-utes per day, because this is the most natural way of elevating your heart rate. If you prefer to cycle, row or cross train, that's also fine, but don't overdo it as this can place the body under even further stress so it stores more fat.Tips for keeping the weight off- Set yourself an achievable six-month weight goal. Be careful you don't drift back into old habits and aim to stay the same weight. If the fat spots start to come back, simply repeat the process.- Eat a Mediter-ranean-style diet all the time. It's good for you.- Practice proper portion control. We all overeat so aim to eat around a third the amount you normally would.- Chew your food properly. It helps digestion and makes you feel fuller sooner, so you eat less.

Heart disease is one of the most feared ailment and a side effect of sedentary lifestyle. You can control the effects of your lifestyle by eating the right food.It's quite often difficult to change your lifestyle dras-tically in this competitive world. But you can surely change a little bit of eating and ensure you are pro-tecting your heart.Here's a list of food that can help you protect your heart.1. Black beans: Black beans are packed with folate, an-tioxidants, magnesium which are good for lower-ing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. This in turn keeps your heart in safe zone. But if you are planning to use tinned beans, please drain the liq-uid and wash them before use to reduce the sodium content.2. Salmon and tuna: These two fish are rich in anti-oxidants and omega-3, two important candidates who help heart.3. Walnuts: A handful of them a day helps lower

your cholesterol and re-duce inflammation in the arteries. Replace them as mid-meal snacks instead of chips etc.4. Oranges: They contain cholesterol-fighting pectin. The fruit is also rich in po-tassium that helps control blood pressure. Antioxi-dant hesperidin also helps lower blood pressure.5. Carrots: Though sweet, they are good to control diabetes, which increases heart attack risk. They also

help fight bad cholesterol.6. Sweet potatoes: They are rich in vitamin A, fiber and lycopene making them a healthy substitute for the white brethren.7. Oats: Oats in all forms help your heart by lower-ing bad cholesterol.8. Flaxseeds: Fiber, phy-tochemicals called lig-nans, and ALA - these three ingredients in these small seeds make them a powerhouse of health. Sure protector of heart if

had spoonful in powdered form everyday in cereals or salads.9. Chilli powder: Difficult to believe, but these Indian tasty spice actually pro-tects heart and body from diabetes with its ability to spike up the natural insu-lin levels in the body.10. Coffee: It can keep away type 2 diabetes, but people having high blood pressure should be cautious as it can have a counter effect.

Severe heart failure can cause the lungs to fill with fluid and leave pa-tients feeling like they are drowning, according to a new campaign by the Brit-ish Heart Foundation.But 80 per cent of adults are unaware of its impact on everyday life, revealed a BHF survey.There is no cure for heart failure, which can lead to extreme exhaustion and breathlessness.Now experts hope that stem cell research could be the key to repairing dam-aged hearts, the BBC re-ported.Thousands of people cur-rently live with heart fail-ure, which means that the heart is not pumping blood around the body as well as it used to. It is commonly caused by a heart attack.While patients with mild heart failure can live a rel-atively normal life with the help of drugs, those with severe heart failure can

suffer prolonged pain and distress because every-day tasks such as having a shower or doing the shop-ping require enormous amounts of energy and leave them exhausted.Previous UK research sug-gests that around 28 per cent of all heart failure pa-tients face a daily struggle as a result of permanent damage to the heart mus-cle.However, the survey of 2,170 adults by the Brit-ish Heart Foundation sug-gests that more than three-quarters of respondents are unaware of the effects of severe heart failure on people's lives.More than a third of those surveyed thought that heart failure meant that the heart stopped working altogether and 33 per cent wrongly believed the heart could repair itself.Dr Mike Knapton, associ-ate medical director at the BHF, say more and more

people are surviving heart attacks due to advances in medicine but this creates its own problem."People with acute, severe heart failure have a worse prog-nosis than most cancers. Heart failure has a very significant effect on mor-bidity. It can be disabling, it can leave people breath-less and they can end up chair-bound and bed-bound," the BBC quoted him as saying.The priority now, he suggests, is to find

out how to repair damage to the heart with the help of the BHF's Mending Bro-ken Hearts Appeal."The human heart cell is not able to regenerate, unlike the liver, and we want to understand why in order to improve new treatments for the future."We aim to raise money to carry out basic research into regen-erative medicine. Stem cells could help by offer-ing therapeutic interven-tions," he noted.

Exercise helps reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms

In a new study, researchers have shown the combined effect of neuro-protective therapies - voluntary physi-cal exercise and daily intake of mela-tonin, against Alzheimer's in mice.According to a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Re-search Institute (IIBB), in collabora-tion with the University of Granada and the Auton-omous University of Barcelona, daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer's disease."For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one's life," Coral Sanfe-liu, from the IIBB, told SINC."Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects," Sanfeliu said.For the study, the experts analysed

the combined effect of sport and me-latonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Al-zheimer's and presented learning diffi-culties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise -unrestricted use of a running wheel-, melatonin -a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight-, and a combination of melatonin and vol-untary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease."After six months, the state of the

mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own ini-tial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has sig-nificantly regressed," Sanfeliu said.The results show a general improve-ment in behaviour, learning, and mem-ory with the three treatments.These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed indepen-dently."Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human pa-tients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated," Sanfeliu added.

Soccer for a fitter mind and body

Football engages players to sprint, run fast or slow - with sudden balance shifts, and build stamina. Since the play during soc-cer is continuous, it's ex-tremely effective for fitness and cardiovascular health. Playing football has been shown to have significant benefits to health and well-being, combining this with having fun seems to be the best choice as it stops an activity becoming boring or tedious. It has now been precisely proven that foot-ball helps health in many ways. Let's have a look. Increases aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health Football player's run around a lot, thus their body can transport oxygen around the body and to the cells and muscles that require it more efficiently. Hence increasing the aero-bic capacity of body. Due to continuous aero-bic based movements, it

is a good signifier of how well their heart and lungs work together to sup-ply the body with oxygen, hence enhancing the level of an individual's cardio-vascular health. This is es-sential to delay the onset of fatigue during training, which is important for football fitness. Improves muscle tone Soccer is a great game to maintain your muscle tone. It is a game with constant movement which continu-ously keeps your muscles engaged over longer du-ration. Trailing over your rival team, kicking the ball for a goal and jumping for headers are all exercises that build muscle in your legs and torso. Builds strength and en-durance Soccer improves endurance; it also helps in increasing cardio capacity, which allows soccer play-ers to run for a longer du-ration.

Have you been hit by Syndrome X?

Few of us have even heard of it, but Metabolic syn-drome affects millions and puts you at double the risk of heart diseaseIf you haven't been able to kick your craving for sug-ary treats, rely on caffeine for a concentration kick and have been putting on weight around your waist, you might be suffering from a littleknown condition affecting millions.Syndrome X or Meta-bolic syndrome is a combina-tion of medical disorders that, when occur together, result in a degree of insulin resistance and, more often than not, type 2 diabetes.While the condition can be genetic, typically, it affects people with a sedentary life-style. The only way to figure if you have succumbed to it is to get your insulin levels checked. In advanced stag-es of Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance sets in, meaning insulin is less able to let sugar from the bloodstream enter the cells

- a sure sign that diabetes is just around the corner. It ups the risk for atheroscle-rotic cardiovascular disease too.Metabolic syndrome in Mumbai In 2011, a study was conducted by the PD Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre in a group of 548 subjects (302 males and 246 females) who attended a free cardiac evaluation camp arranged by them. The preva-lence of MS in males was al-most double (25.16%) than females (12.6%), and higher in the 41-60 age group, suggest-ing that this group is at increased risk of developing cardio vascular disease. It was also found that high percentage prevalence of overweight and obesity was one of the major driving forces in the development of MS. Therefore, early identification of the metabolic abnormalities and appropriate interven-tion may be of primary importance in populations especially like ours having high prevalence.

NATION DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

7 SRINAGARTuesday, June 18, 2013

R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Lawyers should be depicted as socially responsible citizen: Altamas Kabir

Justice Kabir said there were plenty of avenues for law gradu-ates in the changing world but they should also do their bit for the so-ciety.

Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir today said the image of law-yers, who are depicted as “sharks” in cartoons, needs to be changed to that of a socially responsible citizen.

“Lawyers are shown as sharks in cartoons…that has to change. The lawyers have to show that we are socially responsible citizens,” the Chief Justice said in his address to

faculty and students of Law department at Kashmir Univer-sity here.

“You should participate in legal aid work. There is a social commitment (for lawyers). Law is not something you do for only yourself but for the society as well,” he said.

Justice Kabir said there were plenty of avenues for law graduates in the changing world but they should also

do their bit for the society.The Chief Justice said among

the avenues available to the law graduates are higher studies and the whole corporate world.

The advent of Internet has led to the specialisation of even law cours-es as the worldwideweb has helped in exchange of ideas, he said.

“The Information Technology Act was started with the intention of highlighting the authenticity of doc-uments. The digital signatures were also included in it. The law had to

be altered so as to use the techno-logical advances which has brought professionalism in law,” he said.

The Chief Justice said he will take up on priority the empanelment of Kashmir University’s Law de-partment students as research assis-tants and law clerks to the Supreme Court judges.

“But you will also have to be cooperative. You have to come to Delhi and stay there for at least one year,” he said responding to the suggestion of allowing the Kashmir University students the opportunity to work with Supreme Court judges.

Justice Kabir said a little bit of encouragement to the fresh law graduates can help them go a long way in their career.

He mentioned about a Kash-miri woman lawyer, practising in Supreme Court, saying “initially, she was shy but I encouraged her to argue the case and today she has an identity of her own.”

The Chief Justice said there has been a sea change in the enthusiasm as well as opportunities available to law students over the past 40 years.

“In 1969-70, legal education meant joining the course for either morning shift or evening shift and

paying a fee of Rs12 per month. Only enthusiastic few would do the hard work of studying in depth. To-day the students want to know and participate in moot court (competi-tion) in Washington, Geneva and elsewhere in the world. There is no reason why Kashmiri students cannot go there,” he said.

He said the law students today need clinical education whereby they can get to learn hands on from the legal practitioners.

Supreme Court judge Justice TS Thakur, in his address, said there is a need to catch promising law graduates young in order to strengthen the judiciary.

“The whole effort is to catch the judges young. We would want the promising law graduates to join the judiciary before they get disinterested with the profession as there can be difficulties at the start of the career,” Justice Thakur said.

He said the lawyers are soldiers of rule of law. “In all civilised so-cieties, it is the rule of law that sustains the society. We cannot be governed by arbitrary system. There is peace and progress only because of rule of law. It is the lawyers who maintain the rule of law.”

Clear signs of fatigue in UPA-II as PM inducts new ministers

New Delhi: In perhaps the last re-shuffle before the 2014 general elec-tions, the United Progressive Alli-ance on Monday inducted new faces into its Cabinet, but it seems like a clear sign that a fatigued UPA-II has run out of options.

A classic example was the return of 85-year-old Sis Ram Ola, who lost his Cabinet berth 4 years ago because he was seen to be too old for the task. However, now with the Rajasthan Assembly elections on the anvil, Ola is back as the Congress’s Jat face. Also, making a comeback is 72-year-old Oscar Fernandes, who was also shunted out for alleged non-performance.

None of the other new faces are inspiring either, Girija Vyas, anoth-er Rajasthan MP, got rewarded for unswerving loyalty while Andhra Pradesh’s 69-year-old KS Rao was inducted in a Cabinet which already

has five mem-bers from the Congress’s most politically cru-cial state.

A classic example was the return of 85-year-old Ola, who lost his Cabinet berth 4 years ago as he was considered

too old for the task.Meanwhile, 71-year-old Mal-

likarjun Kharge was made the Rail-ways Minister. Most of the ministers of state too are little more than token

gestures. Three new faces - Santosh Chowdhury, JD Seelam and ENS Nachiappan were made Ministers of State along with veteran Maharash-tra leader Manikrao Gavit. With the fresh inductions, the strength of the Union Council of Ministers has gone up to 77.

Perhaps the real story for the Congress lies not so much in the Cabinet changes, which represent a case of old wine in an old bottle, but in the organisational changes, where the imprint of Rahul Gandhi can be seen. With elections less than a year away, the party’s organisation has taken precedence over the govern-ment’s needs.

Mamata Banerjee loses cool after angry protests during visit to rape victim’s houseKolkata: West Bengal Chief

Minister Mamata Banerjee today lost her cool after facing angry protests from villagers, especially women, in Barasat district while she was visiting the home of a 20-year-old girl who was raped and brutally murdered earlier this month.

After her visit, the Trinamool Congress chief alleged that ac-tivists of arch rival CPI(M) were linked to the crime and were also behind today’s protests. “Don’t you feel ashamed to do politics on such incident? You are doing CPI(M) politics. Those who were arrested were connected with CPI(M),” Ms Banerjee, who lost her cool, told protesters.

The CPI(M) reacted angrily to Ms Banerjee’s charge, accusing her of indulging in blame game instead of taking action against the guilty involved in the “un-fortunate and very condemnable” incident.

Time to take a decision, con-ditions are tough: Nitish on BJP alliance

“The government cannot get away by blaming somebody else like CPI(M) or others. This is completely preposterous. It has to get down to the basic job of gov-ernance,” CPI(M) leader Sitaram

Yechury said. To reach the Kamduni village,

which is about 25 km from Kolka-ta, the chief minister had travelled about 2.5 kilometres as pillion on a motorcycle. She briefly met the girl’s family and promised that a chargesheet would be filed in a week’s time and the state would demand death sentence for the cul-prits.

In an obvious reference to the previous Left Front government, Ms Banerjee also said they should have planned more police stations.

The college student, the daugh-

ter of a mason, was on her way home from college after an exam on June 7 when she was apparently dragged into a walled compound by a group of men, raped and then killed. Six people have been ar-rested.

Residents in her neighbourhood say they had complained about de-teriorating law and order problems in the area, but the police ignored them. The MP from the area, Haji Nurul Islam who belongs to the Trinamool, was heckled when he tried to visit the family on Satur-day. His vehicle was also smashed.

TN: Jayalalithaa drops two ministers from her Cabinet, inducts two

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday effected a minor rejig of her ministry, dropping two min-isters and inducting as many. Jayalalithaa dropped Labour Minister ST Chellapan-dian and Minister for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare A Mohammedjan from the state Cabinet.

A Raj Bhavan communique said on the recommendations of the Chief Min-ister, Governor K Rosaiah has approved induction of SP Shunmuganathan, who represents Srivaikuntam assembly con-stituency and S Abdul Rahim (Avadi as-sembly constituency), a new face into the ministry.

While Shunmuganathan has been given Tourism ministry, Rahim gets Back-ward Classes and Minorities Welfare, the

communique said. On the recommenda-tions by the Chief Minister, changes in portfolios of some ministers has been effected. The portfolio of Labour, Popu-lation, Employment and Training, News-print Control, Census and Urban and Rural Employment have been allocated to KT Pachamal and he redesignated as Minister for Labour.

TN: Jayalalithaa drops two ministers from her Cabinet, inducts two

The portfolio of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments has been given to P Chendur Pandian and he has been des-ignated as Minister for HR and CE. The portfolio of Forest has been allocated to MSM Anandan, it said. The new ministers will be sworn-in on Tuesday, the commu-nique said.

Harbhajan Singh stuck in Uttarakhand rains

The cricketer is now staying put at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp at Joshi-math which houses the para-military’s first battalion.

Cricketer Harbhajan Singh is one amongst the many pil-grims and tourists who have been stranded in the upper reaches of Uttarakhand due to landslides and heavy rains.

The cricketer is now staying put at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp at Joshi-math which houses the para-military’s first battalion.

He has taken shelter with the border guarding troops since yesterday when he was returning from the Hemkunth

Sahib gurudwara here and could not go beyond because of inclement weather, a senior official said.

The bowler is now spend-ing time interacting with ITBP jawans and playing badminton with them, they said.

Ishrat case: CBI to question IB special director on Tuesday

NEW DELHI: CBI is likely to question IB special director Rajinder Kumar on Tuesday in connection with its probe into the killing of col-lege student Ishrat Jahan in a fake en-counter as the agency plans to final-ize its chargesheet in the case.

Kumar, who had already been questioned by the agency once, would be examined again at Ahmed-abad office of CBI for his alleged role in the fake encounter case in which 19-year-old Ishrat was killed along with four others on June 15, 2004 by a team of crime branch of-ficials on Ahmedabad’s outskirts.

The agency wants to question Kumar, a 1979-Batch IPS officer of Manipur-Tripura cadre, as it claims to have evidence about his alleged involvement in the conspiracy.

The sources said the officer had claimed in his defence that the intel-ligence input given by him which led to the encounter was a genuine one and giving input does not mean that he directed the police to carry out the encounter.

Gujarat police had alleged Ishrat was part of a terror outfit LeT mod-ule aiming at the life of Gujarat chief

minister. The sources said, however, that

the agency was not concentrating merely on the intelligence input and that they have enough leads which indicate Kumar’s alleged in-volvement in the conspiracy lead-ing to the encounter found to be fake by the Special Investigating Team constituted by the Gujarat High Court.

The sources said the focus of the agency’s probe has been wheth-er intelligence officers were active participants in the conspiracy be-hind the killing Ishrat.

CBI’s move to question Kumar had strained its relations with IB and Union home secretary R K Singh had to convene a meeting of CBI di-rector Ranjit Sinha and IB chief Asif Ibrahim to discuss the issue in detail.

RAIPUR: A Naxal couple on Monday surrendered before po-lice in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist-hit Bijapur district , and a Mao-ist was arrested in Kanker district , police said.

Jagat Lekam (25) and his wife Vimla Karam (24), members of a mili-tary company of Maoist and actively involved in several Naxal incidents in the region, surrendered this afternoon, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Prashant Agrawal told PTI.

Jagat told police that he had joined the Naxal movement at

an early age and later realised that it had drift-ed away from its original goals, which prompt-ed him to leave the movement, Agrawal said.

Vimla, who joined Maoists cadre in 2006, claimed that she was denied

basic necessities, humiliated, thrashed and abused by the se-nior members.

The couple will be rehabil-itated as per the surrender poli-cies of the Centre and Chhattis-garh government, police said.

In a separate incident, a Naxal, Budhram Markam, was arrested during a joint search operation of district force and BSF from Chingnar village un-der Tadoki police station limits in Kanker district last night.

Markam was involved sev-eral cases of crime including robbery, arson and murder, po-lice said.

Merchant vessel splits into two off Mumbai coast; crew rescued

Mumbai: A Singapore-bound merchant vessel from Jeddah split into two around 840 nautical miles off the coast in Mumbai on Monday causing an oil spill even as all the crew members were rescued, Coast Guard officials said.

‘Mol Comfort’, the 316-m-long vessel was carrying 4,500 containers from Saudi Arabia, they said.

“The vessel hull broke into two off the Mumbai coast and the crew members were rescued from the ship in two life rafts and a life boat,” a Coast Guard official said.

The cause behind the incident

was yet to be ascertained. It was also not known what the ship was trans-porting.

The Coast Guard coordinated the rescue operation and all the 26 mem-bers of the crew--- 12 Russians and 14 Filipinos--were rescued.

The officials said that the Mari-time Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai diverted three ships-- MV Hanjin Bejing, MV Zim India and MV Yantian Express, which were travelling nearby, for the rescue op-eration.

rescued crew members are being sent to Colombo, they said.

Naxal couple surrenders in Chhattisgarh, another Maoist held

VVIP Chopper deal: CBI initiates anoth-er probe against AgustaWestland

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation has started another probe against UK-based helicopter supplier AgustaWestland for alleged corruption in the supply of light util-ity helicopters to Army.

People familiar with the matter in CBI said the preliminary inquiry has been registered on the request of the defence ministry after it emerged that a Brigadier-level officer allegedly promised to help AgustaWestland swing the 197-helicopter deal. He had allegedly demanded five million dollars for the job.

People having the knowledge on the matter said Italian investigators, who are probing corruption allega-tions against AgustaWestland and its parent Italian firm Finmeccanica in that country, have found some docu-

ments which show that Indian army officer had allegedly demanded the bribe from the firm.The information was provided to the defence minis-try by the Italian investigators which forwarded it to CBI to look into the matter.Finding prima-facie material to start investigations, the agency has registered a preliminary enquiry and might soon call the officer in ques-tion for examination.People familiar with the matter said they are going ahead with the preliminary enquiry as it needs to ascertain the nature of the crime, before proceeding with the registration of the case.Army wanted to purchase 197-light utility helicop-ters to strengthen its Cheetah fleet but after the allegations of corruption surfaced, the deal has been hanging in limbo.